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Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, is a city with a rich history and a bright future. Known for its cleanliness, safety, and friendly locals, Kigali is a great destination for budget-conscious travelers who want to experience the best of Africa without breaking the bank. It is also one of my favorite cities in Africa. In this blog post, we will discuss the history of Kigali, things to do and see, cuisine, where to stay, and tips for visiting.
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Where is Kigali?
Kigali is the largest and capital city of Rwanda, a country in East Africa. It is located in the central part of the country, where it is surrounded by numerous sloping hills.
Why Visit Kigali?
Kigali is known for its progressive leadership, rapid development, and efforts towards sustainability. The city is home to the Kigali Genocide Memorial, which commemorates the victims of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, and is a testament to the resilience of the Rwandan people. Kigali is considered a “Green City” due to its efforts to be environmentally sustainable. In fact, Kigali is set to become Africa’s first large sustainable city. In addition, the people of Kigali are extremely friendly. This city is slowly becoming more popular because of its warm reputation.
What to Do in Kigali
While there is plenty to see and do in Kigali, here are our recommended top 5!
Kigali Genocide Memorial
While visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial may be a difficult experience, I think it is very important for visitors to the city to experience. This memorial was established in memory of the more than one million Rwandans who lost their lives during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Like many other genocide museums, it is a sobering but educational experience for visitors. It is amazing to see how far Rwanda has come in just under 30 years.
Nyamirambo Neighborhood
The Nyamirambo neighborhood is a vibrant and colorful part of Kigali that is well worth a visit. This area is home to the Muslim Quarter, which is a hub of activity and a great place to sample street food, buy souvenirs, or visit one of the many local markets. The Islamic Cultural Centre is another interesting place to visit and learn about the area.
Visit Fazenda Sengha
Located on Mount Kigali near Nyamirambo, Fazenda Sengha is a country club that offers a wide array of activities. Some of these activities include ziplining, archery, horseback riding, and ATV’s. There is also a small restaurant and bar to relax and enjoy yourself while admiring the views of Kigali.
While this zipline wasn’t as intense as the Monteverde zipline I did in Costa Rica, it was definititely worth it!
Visit Kigali Heights and the Kigali Convention Center
Kigali Heights is a modern shopping and entertainment complex located in Kimihurura. In this complex, you will find restaurants, designer clothes, and much more. Nearby, you will see the famous Kigali Convention Center. This iconic building is modeled after the traditional palaces of the Rwandan kings.
Check out Nyabugogo
Nyabugogo is an area in central Kigali, most famous for the bus terminal. This is where you would go to travel to cities around Rwanda, such as Nyanza, or to international cities like Kampala or Nairobi. In addition to the bus station, there are also a few nearby markets. You can find anything from backpacks and furniture to fresh produce.
Cuisine of Kigali
The cuisine of Kigali is a diverse mixture of traditional and international flavors. Here are the top 3 foods you should try!
Brochettes
Brochettes are skewered meat that is grilled over an open flame. This dish is a popular street food in Kigali, and is often served with fries or grilled plantains. Brochettes can be made with a variety of meats, including beef, goat, or chicken, and are a great way to experience the local flavors. The best part – they are very inexpensive!
Zingaro
For the more adventurous eaters, you should try zingaro. This is goat intestines, and while that may not seem appetizing, it was one of my favorite meals in Rwanda. These often are served as brochettes as well, with a side of rice or plantains.
Kachumbari
If you want to try something a little healthier, try Kachumbari. This salad is very popular throughout East Africa. It’s made with chopped tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. It is similar to salsa and is commonly served as a side dish or condiment to grilled meats, fish, or stews.
Where to Stay
When visiting Kigali, there are several neighborhoods that offer great accommodations. If you want to stay in a central location with a lively nightlife scene, consider Kacyiru or Kimihurura. For a more luxurious experience, Nyarutarama is a good option. If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodations, Remera is worth considering. Check out this guide for more information on Kigali’s neighborhoods.
Low Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, you can find hostels for as low as $10-15 USD/night by using apps like Hostelworld, Airbnb, or Dorms.com. I found a dorm room for 10,000 Rwandan francs (about $9 USD)/night in a hostel in Kimihurura. Check out Mamba Rwanda Youth Hostel. It even has the country’s only bowling alley!
Medium Budget
Prices for private rooms can vary depending on the neighborhood. Some hostels offer private rooms for $25/night, while others can charge $50+ per night. One of the highest-rated hotels in Kigali is Nature Kigali. This hotel is great for families, as it has a playground, ping pong tables, and a bar for adults. Rooms go for about $55 USD/night.
High Budget
If you have some extra cash to spare, you can find resorts right in the heart of the city for $120-170/night. For a more luxurious experience, consider staying at one of the high-end hotels, such as the Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, that can cost anywhere from $200+/night!
Check out the map below for available accommodations.
Tips for Visiting
Before your trip to Kigali, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Take Motos to get around
Motorcycle taxis are an inexpensive, convenient, and quick way to get around Kigali. You can easily hail a moto by walking near the road, as they are always driving by. You can also use an app, such as CanGo, to request a ride from a professional driver.
Another benefit to traveling in Rwanda is that moto drivers are required to provide helmets for their passengers. In countries such as Uganda or Kenya, you will have to bring your own helmet or ride without one!
2. Bring good walking shoes
Kigali is a hilly city, and some streets can be steep. Wearing comfortable shoes is a must if you plan to do a lot of walking or exploring. This will help prevent injury and make your trip more enjoyable.
3. Download a map of Kigali offline
Kigali is not a large city, but that doesn’t mean your moto driver will always know where you are going. A few times, I had to give my driver directions to my hostel using my offline map. Especially after a long day or late at night, you don’t want to be driving around looking for your destination.
4. Get change for large bills at stores and banks
Many market vendors, moto drivers, or small shop owners will not be able to give you change if you attempt to purchase something with a large bill. Keeping 500 and 1,000 franc denominations will make things much easier than trying to purchase something with 5,000 francs.
5. Download Google Translate or similar app
If you do not know Kinyarwanda, having one of these apps will help you out a lot. You’ll be able to translate menus at restaurants, ask people questions, etc. This is essential because it will help you avoid some of the tourist traps that charge you more money for service in English.
Is it safe here now?
Yes, Kigali is very safe. In fact, it has been named the safest city in Africa, and the 6th-safest city in the world for solo travelers!